Some pet owners can’t live with the idea of leaving their pets whenever they need to travel. To ease their worries away, they look for a reliable person to whom they can entrust their furry friends while they’re gone. But if their excursion allows them to go with their dog or cat, for sure, they’ll take them along.
Whether traveling privately or through public transportation modes, a safe way to get your pet with you is by using a carrier. This is not an ordinary container but a portable bag or backpack where you can lug your dog or cat throughout your journey. There are different designer pet carrier types and styles to choose from. Read on to learn about how you can choose the best one for your furry friend.
Choosing a Pet Carrier
A cat or doggie carrier will surely help make your journey easier. But, you should choose the right one that fits your pet’s needs well. Here are important things to keep in mind:
Type of Carrier
When you check a designer pet carrier by going to A Pet With Paws website, you will see that there are various types of carriers on the market today. The most common distinction is the construction. So, your decision all boils down to what suits your dog and your activities. The two most common forms of pet carriers are:
Hard Carrier
This a standard kind of pet carrier known not only for its rugged construction but also for its durability. Even dogs who are heavy chewers or tend to move often while in the carrier won’t be able to break out from this carrier.
That is why if you’re looking for airline approved pet carriers, this is a suitable choice. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your companion animals will remain where they should be while on board. Plus, you’ll know they are comfortable, as this carrier is well-ventilated on the sides.
Soft Carrier
If you often going on hikes or short trips, you may opt for this type of carrier. It can come as a bag or backpack and is usually made of soft nylon fabric. The opening is zippered and also comes with a mesh-like ventilation feature to ensure comfort. The best thing about this carrier is that it is light, portable, and can be folded for effortless storage.
Size and Weight of Your Dog
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a bag for dogs travel people should have is the size. The practical choice for medium to large-sized dogs is a hard pet carrier. On the other hand, a soft pet carrier suits smaller dogs.
Regardless, you should not forget to measure and weigh your dog before purchasing a carrier. This ensures that your beloved animal companion will have enough room to move, curl up, or stretch out.
For soft pet carriers, like a dog backpack or a sling dog carrier, take note of your dog’s weight instead.
Stability and Safety
Keep in mind to check the support structure of the pet carrier. In a way, it should be able to secure your pet properly without making them uncomfortable. Also, choose a pet carrier made with secure fasteners that are durable enough to endure chewing.
When checking a pet carrier, allow it to stand on the floor and make sure that it is balanced and leveled. There should be no problem with stability if the structural pressure points are well-reinforced.
Furthermore, consider its material. It should be safe to be used for your dog or cat.
Quality
We’re not only talking about the security of your pet but also their comfort during your trip. Dogs are in danger of escaping, or worse, getting lost if you buy low-quality pet carriers. However, if you know you’ve chosen a quality one, you don’t have to worry about your pet that much. All parts of the carrier must be strong enough to withstand any circumstances you may encounter on your trip. Yet, they should be comfortable enough that your furry companion will not feel the need to run away. Moreover, locks, clasps, and other security features should remain intact while in transit.
Maintenance
During your travels, your furball would urinate or defecate in their pet carrier. And even if they didn’t, the carrier will still get dirty and you need to do some cleaning. Your dog’s safety and comfort are your top priority, so you wouldn’t want them to stay in a filthy carrier. That is why you need to choose one that is easy to clean.
To ensure all the dirt and debris are washed away, use warm water and detergent. Finish your cleaning process by spraying the pet carrier with a pet disinfectant. Note that some pet disinfectants on the market may contain harmful chemicals and fumes that can put pets in danger. So, you must first make sure that the disinfectant you’ll be using is pet-friendly.
Cost
The highest-quality pet carriers are typically the expensive ones. However, you should not always equate quality with price. Actually, some pet carriers that are sold at lower prices still deliver the same quality as the costly ones. At the end of the day, your choice of pet carrier will depend on your budget. But if budget is not your concern, by all means, buy what you think is best for your furry friend.
Note that you don’t need to spend that much for a pet carrier, but you also don’t want to settle for less that will compromise the safety and comfort of your beloved animal companion.
To Wrap Things Up
We know how special your pets are to you that they are even considered part of the family. That is why you don’t just buy them things, like a designer pet carrier, without considering some important factors. If you want to travel and bring your furry friend with you, you shouldn’t just be after the style or the look of the pet carrier. It should match your dog’s size, weight, and behavior. Above all, it should keep your animal companion cozy and protected throughout your trip.
Get more tips on our website on how to give your pet the best care possible!
Read Also : 6 Tips for Feeding Your Dogs While on a Road Trip
